A pro-boxer and Royal Engineers veteran from Sheffield, has raised over £2,000 for armed forces charity SSAFA.

Perry Howe has been selling boxing merchandise with £1 of every purchase going towards SSAFA – the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – and has also raffled off tickets for his shows in support of the charity.

Perry joined the Royal Engineers, at the age of 16, serving for five-and-a-half years.

When he left the forces, Perry struggled to transition into civilian life and fell on hard times, which resulted in him becoming homeless.

“I was living homeless in the woods, It was dark times, but my military experience got me through,” he said.

In his time of need, Perry reached out to SSAFA who helped him find a flat and also provided him with furniture.

The help from SSAFA allowed Perry to get on the right path that led him where he is today, competing in his third professional bout.

“SSAFA probably saved my life’” he said. “Once I told people, it got better.”

SSAFA has been supporting members of the armed forces – both past and present – for 136 years.

But the charity says a lot of veterans do not release that they are entitled to help.

“If you have served your country, you have signed on that dotted line, so don’t be too proud to ask,” said the unbeaten cruiserweight, who is to fight at the Sheffield Arena car park on Friday June 18.

To donate to the appeal, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Perry-Howe